From my perspective as a thyme plant, the single most important thing you must understand is my Mediterranean heritage. I hail from the sun-baked, rocky hillsides of Southern Europe, where the soil is lean and well-draining, and rainfall is infrequent. My roots are adapted to seek moisture deep in the ground and are highly susceptible to rot if left sitting in water. Therefore, my core request is simple: please let my soil dry out almost completely between drinks. The rule of "dry feet" is not just a preference; it is a matter of my survival. Overwatering is the fastest way to cause my demise, leading to yellowing leaves, a wilted appearance despite wet soil, and ultimately, root death.
While my need for dryness is constant, the frequency of your watering must be a response to your specific environment. You cannot water me on a fixed calendar schedule. Instead, you must check on me. The primary factor is the soil moisture. Insert your finger about an inch into the soil near my base. If the soil at that depth feels completely dry, it is time for a deep, thorough watering. If you feel any moisture or coolness, please wait and check again in a day or two. Other critical factors include the climate (I will need more frequent water in the hot, dry Arizona summer than in the humid Florida summer), whether I am planted in the ground (which holds moisture longer) or a container (which dries out much faster), and the amount of sun I receive (more sun equals more thirst).
My water needs change dramatically with the seasons, and your care should reflect this natural cycle.
Spring: As I emerge from winter dormancy and begin a flush of new growth, my water needs increase. Warmer temperatures and longer days mean the soil will dry out more quickly. Water me deeply whenever the top inch of soil is dry, which might be every 5-7 days, depending on your spring rains and temperatures.
Summer: This is my peak growing season and the time I am most active. The heat can be intense, especially in regions like the Southwest or Midwest. I may need watering as often as every 3-5 days if I am in a container, or every 7-10 days if I am well-established in the ground. Always perform the finger test to be sure.
Fall: As temperatures cool and daylight shortens, my growth slows significantly. My need for water diminishes accordingly. You should extend the time between waterings considerably, perhaps to every two weeks or even longer, relying heavily on the soil moisture test rather than the calendar.
Winter: I am largely dormant. If I am in the ground, I will likely receive enough water from winter precipitation and require almost no supplemental watering from you. If I am in a container that is sheltered from rain, I need only a very slight amount of water every few weeks to prevent my roots from desiccating completely. The goal is to keep the soil barely moist, never damp.
When it is finally time to water, please do it properly. A light sprinkling on the surface encourages my roots to stay shallow and weak, making me more vulnerable to drought. Instead, provide a slow, deep watering at the base of my stems. Soak the soil thoroughly until you see water begin to drain from the bottom of the pot or until the ground can accept no more. This practice encourages my root system to grow deep and strong, which makes me a more resilient and drought-tolerant plant, exactly as nature intended.
